Metro Matters 19-11-2018

Wang Yu, a smart and active Consul General of China at Karachi hosted a dinner in honour of myself along with my family during the reported week at the Chinese Consulate, Clifton Karachi. Prior to the dinner, my daughter Mariam Naqvi presented bouquet to Wang Yu in the presence of Chen Xiaodong, Vice Consul General of China and Liu Yuanli, Consular Attaché of Chinese Consulate Karachi. Liu is, indeed, very active and best coordinator with the Chinese Envoy, Chinese Consulate and the media.

During the 50-minute meeting prior to the dinner, I presented a brief overview about my recent visit to China arranged by International Department of Communist Party of China (IDCPC). This 10-day visit titled “New Stories of The Silk Road” was arranged to celebrate 5th Anniversary of the “Belt and Road”, a revolutionary connectivity and Regional Development program launched by the visionary President of China Xi Jinping in early September 2013. Scholars from India, Myanmar and Pakistan were invited to participate and address different seminars held at Shanghai, Wuhan and Beijing. I was the head of Delegation from Pakistan, Sudheendra Kulkarni was heading Indian delegation while Aye Ku headed the Myanmar delegation.

We discussed progress and fruits of B&R and CPEC at length. Wang Yu also appreciated the launching ceremony of my new travelogue book on China “Amazing China” and the celebrations of 97th anniversary of CPC on July 1st, 2018 arranged by Karachi Editors Club (KEC), which he attended as a Chief Guest. I also invited Wang Yu to preside over 125th birth anniversary of Chairman Mao Zedong on December 26th this year to be arranged by KEC.

After the meeting we all nine members of this exclusive meeting including the hosts enjoyed sumptuous and exclusive dinner, carrying delicious and full of different Chinese cuisine especially prepared at the Consulate by a Chinese Chef. After the dinner, Wang Yu and his team saw us off.

Qatar’s Consul General visits KATI

Mishal Mohammad Al-Ansari, the Consul General of Qatar in Karachi visited Korangi Association of Trade & Industry KATI) during the reported week. On this occasion he said that Pakistan workforce in Qatar would significantly be increased in coming years. Qatar has opened visa on arrival for Pakistani nationals and there is certainly need to enhance relations between both countries. Consul General of Qatar shared that with mega development going on for 2022 FIFA World Cup, this is the right time to invest in Qatar as remarkable progress is taking place in technology, energy, agriculture, tourism, education and other key sectors, encompassing complete ownership to foreign investors.
Muhammad Danish Khan, President KATI, Masood Naqi, Chairman Diplomatic Affairs Committee of KATI, Faraz-ur-Rehman, Senior Vice President KATI, Maheen Salman, Vice President KATI, Former Chairman/President including Ehtishamuddin, Tariq Malik and Mubarak Saeed Al Marri, Deputy Head at Qatar Consulate also participated in the meeting.
Muhammad Danish Khan, President KATI highlighted the cordial and friendly relations between Qatar and Pakistan. Praising Qatar’s remarkable development with an impressive GDP Growth and an increase of trade in last two years.
Masood Naqi, Chairman Diplomatic Affairs Committee of KATI, emphasized on the need to process and manufacture goods in Pakistan which can be exported to Qatar.

FWBL & Serene Air sign an agreement

First Women bank Ltd (FWBL) has entered into an agreement with Serene Air that will enable FWBL Debit card holders to enjoy discounts on purchase of tickets through Serene Air offices across Pakistan.

Through this strategic alliance, FWBL and Serene Air will achieve mutual goal of successful penetration in the market specially to serve women and their families. The agreement was signed by Ms. Naushaba Shahzad President & CEO (Acting) FWBL and Sohail Gul Khan, CEO, Serene Air in Karachi.

Speaking at the Signing Ceremony, Ms. Naushaba Shahzad CEO & President FWBL said. “This strategic alliance with Serene Air brings us closer to provide our customers with exceptional and high quality services and thus enhance our customer experience. This partnership will act as a stepping stone in fostering a very strong mutually beneficial business relationship between FWBL and Serene Air”, she added.

Speaking on the occasion Sohail Gul Khan, CEO, Serene Air said, “This strategic alliance with FWBL promises Serene Air to reach out to a vast audience particularly women of the country.

Azeem Qureshi receives PTM 2018 Best Performance Award

Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM) is a travel and tourism expo that connects all stakeholders of mobility in Pakistan including travel, tourism and hospitality. During the reported week PTM organized its PTM 2018 Best Performance award, on this occasion on behalf of Avari Hotels Limited Azeem Qureshi received PTM 2018 Best Performance Award from CEO Land Mark Ali Hamdani along with Country Head Flynas Manzoor Thanvi. Congratulations Avari Group of Hotels and Congratulations Azeem Qureshi, who is renowned hotelier in Pakistan and best promoter of our tourism industry.